Professional Conduct for Lawyers

Lawyers who opt to become a solo lawyer generally do so because they like working alone and having the control and flexibility that comes with running a business. Even if a solo lawyer hires staff or spends at least part of every day in court, they generally work alone. The big issue in working alone[…]

In this post, we’re going to talk about the most common problems in an attorney-client relationship. However, before we begin this discussion, it’s important to first explain why understanding these issues is crucial to your success as a lawyer. There are two separate areas of importance. The first area is keeping clients happy. It’s no[…]

Becoming a lawyer is one of the most stressful professions. Attorney mental health is an important concept. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns can negatively impact a practice. If attorney mental health leads to a bar complaint, the Americans with Disabilities Act won’t protect you. It’s important that you take care[…]

An ethics complaint is a serious matter for a lawyer. While an ethics complaint can be filed against you because of your failure to properly research a matter and argue it well, not notifying the court of an issue with your client when appropriate, or other matters that come from the actual practice of law.[…]

Being subjected to legal sanctions after a disciplinary hearing doesn’t mean that the situation has come to a close. It creates more questions. Here are the answers to the most asked questions about legal ethics sanctions. Do I Have to Report the Legal Sanctions? Yes. You must report the sanctions in any jurisdiction in which[…]

One of the most well-known acts of unethical conduct is solicitation. Solicitation of an individual that is known to have their own attorneys is a serious mistake. Can you protect your clients from this unethical conduct? What should you do about it? Figure Out What Your Client Knows and Understands about Solicitation A client who[…]

If you had to choose one concept that sums up attorney client relationship ethics, what would that word be? Believe it or not, we’ve chosen “common sense.” In fact, even special appearance lawyers who step in when counsel of record isn’t able to appear have the same obligation to uphold attorney client relationship ethics in[…]

Earlier this week, we shared information with you on ethical relocation as a lawyer. Even with the best intentions, mistakes are sometimes made. If you neglect something that the is required by the state bar in your new jurisdiction, you could receive a letter questioning your fitness to practice law. Getting that letter is a[…]

If you’re a lawyer looking to relocate to California, you may be considering your options when it comes to bar admission. Does completing a pro hac vice for California solve the ethical relocation dilemma? Not necessarily. While you’re looking to relocate without taking another bar exam, pro hac vice for California won’t necessarily give you[…]

If you’ve received an ethics complaint from the California Bar, take heart. You’re certainly not alone. The California Bar releases an annual discipline report generally in April of each year. On the day this post was written, the most recent annual discipline report was released on April 30, 2017 and covered 2016. During 2016, the[…]